The Aberystwith Observer

THE C0LLEG-S AND ITS WORK FOX THE GOOD OF WALES. At the meeting in tiie College Library on Wednesday afternoon several encouraging statements had utterance given to them. One such statement was to the effect that the College wonld henceforth be enriched to the extent of £;")0 a year by the liberality of the Duke of Westminster. Another told of a welcome donation from Mr Hussey Vivian on the occasion of his becoming a member of the College Council. A third was made by Mr T. Jeremy Thomas. of London, who for some time has been a member of the Council. His promise of a donation of £10(1, and the hope held out by him that his partner in business was also a partner in patriotic liberality, must have been cheering Vio those who have been working for many .Y.ears to establish the College on a firm and uushakeable foundation. We are well aware that even yet it is not considered a sign of loyal Churchmanship to think, or speak, or "Write in favour of the College. Such was the feeling in Church circles seven years ago. But we have always thought that the feeling of aversion would in the long run die away. The feeling at the first was so strong as to induce those who entertained it to pro- phesy that the College would have a very brief career. The prophecy has not yet justified itself. \Ve are far from asserting that the attitude of many Churchmen to- wards the College was one altogether un- warranted or to cause surprise. It was pro- voked to a great extent by the injudicious language of friends of the College. The language often on their lips indicated that they were looking forward to the speedy ar- rival of a time when the institution would transform itself into a University, able to confer degrees on t'.e studious sons of Wales, and so to relieve the older national Univer- sities of the privilege they have long been possessed of. But such an ambitious project was only the dream of minds ill-informed as to the real educational needs of the Princi- pality. Then again it is possible that some of those who were first in the field as workers iu the movement which led to the establish- ment of the College were identified with a political party which has no right to assume to itself the sole possession of an interest in to itself the sole possession of an interest in the spread of education. It is quite certain that amongst, those who pleaded the claims of the as yet unborn institution were some whose habitual thoughts were those of dis- trust of the English Church, if not of antag- onism towards it. Habitual thoughts have a way of fixing themselves in the utterances which roll themselves off the tongues of con- stant speakers. Utteraucos involving an ill- concealed aversion to the established Church would be very likely to disseminate the idea that the College to be started would be one which would not seek the favour of the ad- herents of the great historical Church, and one which faithful Churchmen would there- fore have to look upon with coldness. But the seven years' existence of the College has rendered it impossible for any one to say that iLs work has been carried on within the lines of any political partv, cr that the gene- ral influence of the teaching within its walls has been unfavourable to the Church. The Church as she realises her position as the patroness of all arts and learning which are of the highest human interest, and which tend to refine and ennoble daily life, must see that she cannot withhold her encourage- ment from any institution which combines with others in giving a wider range to the aims of the youthful minds of the country. Cannot Charchmen even now derive satis- faction from the thought that the head of the College-its noble President-is a loyal son of the Church ? His references to what was being done in Bangor diocese in the way of providing for the collegiate education of young men destined for holy orders did not indicate any lack of interest in the welfare of the Church in Wales. It is true that the present Principal is not a Churchman but it does not thereby follow that the Council do not recognise the importance, wlietievet- the Principal shall feel that the time has come for him to give up his good work into another's hands, of selecting one who would have the prestige which connection with a great historical Church imparts. If, too, enquiry were made, it would be found that students who have spent several sessions at the College have psssed on to Lampeter, or to Oxford and Cambridge. At the English Universities, although students may pass through them and receive nothing worthy of being designated as theological instruction, the associations are such as to fix upon youthful minds impressions favourable to the Church of the forefathers of all dwellers in the British Isles. The College in having afforded preparation for the Universities which may be said to have the beneficent shadow of the Church of the past resting upon them, has done work which ought not to be lightly esteemed. If a more careful enquiry still wero made, it, wonld be found the mere effect of the liberalising studies-I that is, of those studies which tend to free the mind from unreasoning prejudices and to overthrow the idols of ignorance -h,1.s been to kindle in the minds of students a genuine respect,if not reverence, for a Church which has a noble history ii-iltlic past. There arc signs on all sides that there is springing up a feeling of revolt in the young minds of Wales against certain repressive in- fluenees, which have in somewhat recent times acted injuriously upon the national character, and paralysed the intellect of the Principality. The Church Congress at Swan- sea has made it evident that bishops who have discouraged the patriotic exertions and left unrewarded the energetic toil of those who by their writings have helped to keep Welsh- men in the path of loyalty to the Church, are being approached in an independent attitude which has a little wholesome rebelliousness in It. There arc other signs also of the re- solve to cast off an oppressive yoke. The backward state of art in Wales, the nonexist- ence of any successors to those who in times long goue by built cathedrals and parish churches and adorned them in impressive ways, the absence of picture galleries, the fact that schools of art arc not to be heard of on this side the Severn—all these things in- dicate that Wales has been for a long time past under the influence of a solemn old- fogecism which has called itself religion, but which has slender claim to be considered as such, simply because it has taken the elasticity out of the national life and given to it an unlovely and harshness, because it has watered down the rich life blood of what ought to have been youthful Wales, and encouraged a premature dulrjess and an unearthly and useless piousness. It is this ultra-solemnity, this puritanisrn destitute of all tenderness and grace, against which i3 being uplifted the protest of young Wales, as it acquires its freedom of speech, as it takes up with the habit of fearless thought, fostered by the study of science; and as it is human- ised by a growing familiarity with a literature found beyond the borders of a narrow heart- crushing theology. Against the stupendous and imposing dreariness which has smothered all that is poetic, artistic, and graceful in the mind and heart of Wales in the grave clothes of a repressive and joyless creed, there are signs of a most healthy and vigorous reaction and in future years it will be acknowledged; that such reaction has been contributed to in no slight degree by the influences which have j been brought to bear upon youthful minds within the walls of the Aberystwyth College. That the College has in any measure helped on this resolve to throw off the dull and leaden influences of a recent past should bring to its support the faithful sons of the Church which proclaims that Christianity recognises the sacredness of all region s of human aspira- tion and endeavour. 0

artr, rtr. TO LET, on November 12t'n, the Dwelling-house No. 10, Poitiaiidv-tieet.— Particular:# on appli- eatiou ou O-ipt. Johu Tiiouias, IS, Portland-street. fix) LE1', from the 12th November, the House No. JL 1-1, ^lary-street; also a House in St. Michael's Place.— Particulars on application to Mr W. H. Thomas, solicitor. TO BR LET.—.1 House in Blue-gardens, Aber- ystwyth, containing1 a kitchen and pantry in the back, and a parlour in the front, ou the ground floor, two large and one small badrooma upstairs.- Apply to Mr Philip Williams, 12, Bridge Street Aber- ystwyth. TT AW.—A Common Law, Conveyancing', Connty JLi Court, School B .ard, Costs, Bankruptcy, Short- hand, and General Clerk is open to re-engagreinent, «ifcker temporarily or otherwise. Salary very moderate. —Address, Lex, Observer Offi -e, Aberystwyth. Ii^OK SALE, a Trap, oniy b- en used three months, with Blae Cloth Cushions cost £ 10, will take J £ 8. 10s.—James Ede, Draper, Aberystwyth. NO BE LET. the House and Shop, No. 8, Pier- I Street.-Apply to Mr. Evans, Music Ware- house, next door. « (JENTS WANTED, in the Towns and Villages _rV- tli rough out the United Kingdom. Persons ;niijir time to call on shops, will heir of a piofitablo Ageiujy, on application to J. C. Morrison & Co., 20, High Holoorn, London. TO LET, on the 12th day of November next, No 6, Lower Portland-street.—Apply to Mr Morris Bavies, Ffosrhydgaled. fTY.) LET, a well-furnished Sitting-room and Bed- 1 room, with board if required good attendance inoc r,te. terms moderate.—Apply B., Observer Oiffce, Aberyst- wyth. T> BE LET, FOE OFFICES~the first floor, consisting of 3 rooms, ovc the National Boot Warehouse, 29, Great Darkgate Street.—Apply Stead, Simpson, and Nephews, on the premises. MONEi" to be Advanced on Freehold Security; in sums of One Huudred Pounds and uowards Apply to air Everard W. Jones, 1, Cambrian Chambers, Borth. FOUND, ;>t Dick's Branch Establishment, 10, Great Darkgate-str^et, Abervstwyth, LOOPS aJt the most reasonable prices, combined with comfort in tit, perfection iu style, aud quality that cannot be excel led. fjno LET, a Well Furnished House, with Two _1_ Sitting and Five Bodr-mms, and other necessary <aSiees. Situate about 100 yards from the Marine Parade.—For fnrt'n.ir narticulars and terms please Parade.—For further narticulars and terms please apply to F., Observer Otlice. FrRST CLASS SHOP TO BE SOLD OR LET—A oommedious C'JRNER SiluP, situate in the ".best part of the town. with Drapery fixtures, to be I..et m' Sold; may be used for any business. Apply to Mr Issaac Hopkins, Grocer, 2.), Great Darkgate- sfcreet, Aberystwyth. TO OLERKS.—Wanted a young man as Clerk in a Wholesale and Retail Flour and Grocery Store, must be a eood selirdar; good character indis- peu&7,ble.—Address A., Observer Office. FURBISHED APARTMENTS—TO Let, FOR the wiuter months, part of Victoria House, Victoria Terrace.—Particulars may be had of Mra Doughton, asnhove. UeUgious ^enures. ST. MICHAEUS PARISH CHURCH ABERYSTWYTH. ORDER OF SERVICES. SUXDAí Full Service and Sermon at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday in the month, 11 a.m. 5, 3rd at 3.30 a.m WEEK DAYS :— Morning Prayer on Wednesday and Friday, and on Saints' bays and lioly-days, at 11 a.m. llubj Communion, according to notice. Evening Prayer and Sermon, Woduesday, at 7 p.m. HYMN BOOK—"Church Hymns," (S.P.C.K.) ST. MAltY'S (WELSH) CHURCH, Leading out of Bridge Street). SUNDAY Welsh Service and Sermon at 9.30 a.m. and (5 p.m. Holy Communion on the last Sunday in the month at 9.30 a.m. or 6 p.m., according to notice. WKEK DA VX -• Evening Prayer and and Sermon on Thursday, at 7 p.m. Communicants' Meeting every Tuesday, at 7 p.m. OFFERTORY AFTEII ALL THE SUNDAY SERVICES. SUNDAY SCHOOLS:— At the Boys' National Schools, at 2.30 p.m.—English. Girls' ditto ditto at 2.30 p.m.-Welsh. Ysgoldy at 2.30 p.m.—Mixed. Penyparke National School at2.30p.m.—Mixed. (Service and Sermon at 3.30 p.m.) -Rev. Canon PHILLIPS, M.A., Vicar. Mr. JOHN WATKINS, ) Churchwardens. Mr T. GRIFFITHS, j Churchwardens. LLANBADARN FAWR. A SPECIAL MORNING PRAYER AND SERMON, IN ENGLISH, Will be held in the Nave of the above Church, EVERY SUNDAY, At 11.30 a.m. dnring the Summer Months, com- mencing on the Second Sunday in May, and ending the last SunJay in October. HYMNS ANCIENT AND MODERN (Old Edition). Offertory towards the Restoration Fund. POWER OF PRINTER'S INK. Printer's Ink has made more for- tunes, more men famous, and ruined more scoundrels, than all thing-! nut together since the creation 0 of the universe. In consequence of the gLvat length of our reports of important rrectiugs, iro obliged to hold over an article on" The Welsh Cunrch Press a. summary of the Re >ortot" the Council of the College; a letter on the Depression of trade and Reduction of Wages;" Towyn and C irdigan news. To secure the insertion of important matter, our first edition was not posted vosterdny (Friday) afternoon, in time for the North post.

LOCAL LIBERAL LIBERTY. Conservatives may be pardoned if they have a suspicion that their political opponents have a hankering after the sweets of office, and that in order to attain that end they will not pause at such trifles as right and wrong, conscience, custom, etiquette, and courtesy. The local Liberals are always boasting of their liberal prin- ciples, but it is unfortunate that those principles are seldom carried into practice. Liberty and freedom is ever in their mouths, but is seldom found elsewhere where they arc. Their liberty means liberty to be free with their neighbours' rights and privileges, and their freedom signifies freedom to assail and abuse their opponents. It is precious little liberty and freedom that the rank and file of the party get; the leaders, in a most proper spirit, no doubt, take care that none of those much-vaunted ingredients of human happiness shall be wasted upon the residuum of the town. Particularly is this the case at Aberystwyth and the neighbourhood, where an attempt is made to make Liberalism and Dissent synonymous terms. Sometimes Liberty is displayed in chapels, after the sermons are over. There liberty is given to the humble and willing to do as they like— provided always that they do not stray from the fold, and do not venture to differ in opinion from their spiritual leaders. As a rule they obey the orders given them, but occasionally a few of the number become unmanageable, and even venture to think for themselves. Such people must of course be firmly dealt with, for if their example were widely followed there would soon be an end to all discipline. In political and muni- cipal matters the same rules are observed, and the same liberty is given. For instance, this week the vacancy created by the resigna- tion of Alderman Jones had to be filled. For some days before the election it was un- derstood that the senior Councillor, Mr D. Roberts, the worthy Mayor of the town, would be unanimously chosen, for two reasons, because he was the senior member, and the majority of his colleagues on the Council thought him the best man. But, to the surprise of the Mayor and his friends, no less than the public, it was discovered at the meeting that another candidate, with no claims, was to be nominated. On a vote, however, the Mayor was elected, and very properly so. It afterwards transpired that certain office-seekers were busy at work, and that on the previous day they and a few friends had met together to concert measures the nature of which would not show to advantage in the light of public opinion. The following letter, which we are assured is genuine, will speak for itself:— Aberystwyth, 15th October, 1879. Dear Sir, I am directed by the Liberal Association to send you the enclosed copy of a resolution passed at their meeting held yesterday. Yours truly, GRIFFITH JONES. COPT RESOLUTION. Tha.t this Meeting hereby desires to express a hope that the Nonconformist Members of tha Conned will remain true to their principles hy using- tkeir efforts to secure the election of a Nonconformist for the vacant Aldennanic Seat. If this letter is a forgery, and if Mr Griffith Jones never signed such an attempt to pre- vent the free exercise of the rights and liberties of Town Councillors to think as they like, and to vote for the best man, we shall be most happy to give him space to set himself right with the public. If, on the other hand, the letter was really sent to the Nonconformist members of the Council, and we believe it was, then Mr Jones must bear the stigma of violating a vital principle of self government—the liberty of the subject. To submit to such an attempt would be simply to resign all opinion and self-respect. It is satisfactory to know that two of the gentlemen for whom this coercive missile n was intended had the courage of their con- victions, and voted as their consciences and their wisdom dictated. If this is an instance of Liberal organisation and liberty, then we shall heartily desire to bo delivered from Liberal liberty, and hold fast to the good old Tory principles.

THE APPROACHING MUNICIPAL ELECTION. Now that the Liberals of the town have thrown down the gauntlet and declared war, it becomes the duty of Conservatives and their friends to accept the challenge and not to shrink from the contest. It behoves them, in self defence, not only to fight, but so to fight as to win. No single voter must be passed by, and no stone is to be left unturned, no tactic can be neglected, and no move untried. The insult offered not only to the Mayor personally, but to the Council and to the town, is not such as should be passed by unheeded by those who have regard for the dignity and sacredness of n n office. Without the slightest provocation, and with no chance of gaining their purpose, personal feeling has been allowed to over- come all sense of propriety, and to slight and pain the sensitiveness of one of the best men who has shed lustre and honour on the Mayor's chair. The attack on Alderman Roberts must also be taken as indicative of a disposition to turn out all Conserva- tives and liberal-minded (as distinguished from Liberal ) Councillors, and to replace them by men of the narrowest and most bigotted type, for no broad-minded men would lend themselves to parties whose actions imply a total absence of refiness and culture. And all this is brought about by a noisy few who style themselves an association. This is the little section that honours Mr L. P. Pugh with its favours, and assures him of its warmest sympathy. It is true that the so-called association has on its list of names a number who resent this unbecoming policy of aggression as much as the most ardent member of the peace-loving community, but having thrown in their lot with the aggression- ists and the disturbers of the peace of the town, they must not expect to escape the consequences of their alliance. It becomes the duty and the interest not only of the Church and Conservative voters, but also of all moderate people, of any and every denomination, who have regard for the welfare of the town and the protection of their own rights and privileges, to support such candi- dates as will ensure the careful administration of the public rates and funds, and who will advocate no rash and impolitic changes for the attainment of personal or party purposes. To encourage party squables,and to allow den- ominational elements to enter into the tran- sactions of the Council chamber, is to sow the seeds of discord, which must result in an abundant harvest of personal feud, ill-felling, bigotry, uncharitablenes, and the kindred vices.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NOTES. CONFIRMATION.-Tho Bishop of St. David's will hold a confirmation at St Michael's on Wednesday morning, at 11.30. Harvest Home Thanksgiving Services will be held at St. Michael's Church on Thursday morning at 11, when a sermon will be preached by the Rev F. J. Jayne, Principal of St. David's College, Lampeter, and in the evening in Welsh at St. Mary's. A MARRIAGE PROHiDfTEl).—On Saturday morning an incident of unusual occnrrenc? took place at the Welsh Baptist Chapel. A marriage was to take place, and the parties interested were all present, when the father of the young man, who is a minor, put in an appearance, and forbad the marriage, to the disappointment of all concerned. CHILD LOST AND FOUND.—On Sunday night a slight commotion was caused in the neighbourhood of Alfred-place by the town crier announcing that a child had been lost. A considerable crowd had assembled, when it was discovered that the child, a grand-son of Mr Tom Williams, coxswain of the life- boat. had been asleep im his aunt's house. TREAT TO THE INMATES OF THE WORKHOUSE. -On Tuesday evening, Nlrs Arthur Hughes most kiudly gave a treat of tea, cake, bread and butter, and jam. to the children of the Aberystwyth work- house, and tobacco and beer, to }he old men. Mrs Hughes herselj, Miss Gilbjrtsou, and the Misses Bousall, (2) of Glanrheidol, were pros jnt to attend to the children's enjoyment of the treat. All there- eipieets were truly grateful for the kindness shown to theai by Nlrs Hughes on he oeeosion. DEATHS.—The Weslejan Methodists of this tUWl have iost twct of their most faithful members during' the last few days. On Saturday morning a telegram announced the sadden death of Mr William Huhb, which occurred in London. Daring the proceeding night, Mr Bllbh hid left hoim on Tuesday. His body was brought home aud interred at the cemeteryjon Wednesday. On Saturday occurred also the death of Mr Richard Evans, tailor, Great Darkgate-street, after a severe illness. Mr Evans was buried on Thursday; a very large number of the townspeople attending funeral.

ABERYSTWFTH TOWN COUNCIL. MR DAVID HOBEHTS ELECTED ALDKRV1 AN. A special meeting of the town council was held on Tuesday, for the purpose of electing an alderman in place of Mr Thomas Jones, resigned. The Mayor, Mr David Roberts, presided, and there were also present Alderman John Witkins, Alderman John Davies, Ald-rman Phillip Williams; COUII- cellors T. D. Harries, J. J. Griffiths, John James, John Jones, Bridge End, J R. Jones, Pdter Joaes John Jenkins, Tom Griffiths, Edward Humphreys. W. II. Thomas (rown clerk), J. J. Atwood (corpor- ation solicitor), D ivid Lloyd (acting clerk), David Jones (borough accountant), and liees Jones, (sur- veyor). The minutes of the previous meeting of the council were read, after which the town clerk stated that the meeting had been Cth ill consequence of the resignation of Air Jones, 1- uf the aldermen for the borough, and they ha mr fore to fill up the vacancy thus. The one elec d would have to con'inue in office during the remainder of the term of Mr Jones, which would be one year. When the mayor had further spoken as to the object of the me ting, the voting papers would be distributed. Trie mayor said that as tiie town clerk had fully explained the object of the meeting, he would only add that he left it entirely with the meeting to select the very best candidate they could for the office- one who would consider the interest of the town in every way. The town clerk explained that it was quite at the option of the meeting to select an outsider if they chose so to do. The voting papers were then distributed, but before the voting commenced Mr John Jaunts wished to know if a member might vote for himself, and was answered in the affirmative by the town clerk. The papers were accodingly filled up, and on ex- amination it was found that two only had been nominated, viz Mr David Roberts, the mayor, and Mr John Jones. The following is the result of the voting — For Mr Roberts 8 ForMrJones G The M lyor was therefore declared elected. The eight members who voted for the Mayor were Messrs John Watkios, John Davies, Thomas Griffiths, Isaac Morgan, E. Humphreys, T. D. Harries, J. J. Griffiths, and himself. The six members who voted fer Mr John Jones were Messrs P. Williams, John James, John Jenkins, J. R. Jones, Peter Jones, and himself. Aid. Davies then said that he had great pleasure in addressing them on behalf of Mr Roberts. He hoped they would find him a very true and good man. He had already served in office in a manner which did him credit, and he hoped he would ful- fill the duties of alderman in the same way. The father of Mr Roberts had been alderman for this town for upwards of 30 years, and he hoped their present mayor would prove a worthy descendant in the office (hear, hear). He had great pleasure in proposing that a unanimous vote be given for Mr Roberts, for he (the speaker) was sure he would prove an able man (hear, hear). Mr J.J. Griffiths said that he had great pleasure in seconding the proposition so ably moved by Mr. Davies. He was glad to find that the son had been able to follow the footsteps of the father, and he did not think they could do better than honour Mr Roberts as the Council had previously honoured his father (hear, hear), for there was no doubt that his life would prove as profitable, and that he would be as much respected as his father had been before him. He was glad that the choice had fallen upon Mr Roberts, for he had filled many important offices in the town, and since he (the speaker) had sat at that Council, Mr Roberts had fulfilled the duty of Mayor very able and creditably. It raquired a very great sacrifice of time, and Mr Roberts had done his duty in a way which he could not help admiring, and be thought Mr Roberts deserved the thanks of the council for his consistency. He had great pleasure in seconding the vote. It was suggested that the motion be now put to the meeting, to be carried unanimously, but several members objected, saying that they could not con- scienciously vote for another HOW that they had already shown their vote upon the paper. Mr James thought it rather ridiculous. Several of the supporters of Mr Roberts, how- ever, would have the show of hands taken, and on the motion which had been proposed and seconded that Mr Roberts be elected Aldermin being put, some of the members who had voted for Mr Jones held up their hands. The Mayor then rose to reply. In the first place he begged to thank most sincerely those gentlemen who had been so kind as to vote for him. He was only sorry that he could not thank those who did not vote for him but as the majority of the votes had led to his election, he felt the honour and confidence they displayed towards him. In the past he had always tried so do his duty. He bad held the office of Mayor of the town for two years, and, as Mr Griffiths had said, he had devoted as much time as possible to work for the town,—he had never missed any meetings when he could possibly help it, and he sincerely hoped that he would do his duty in the future to the satisfaction of all parties inrerested. In all discussions and divisions at that Council he had always endeavoured to advocate worthy principles, and conscientiously and honestly voted for what was right and would be for the good of the town, and he hoped the future would be with him as the past had been. He would still study the prosperity and welfare of the town of Aberystwyth, and he hoped they would never have to regret recording their votes for him as aldermam of that borough (applause). After Mr Roberts had signed the usual declara- tion, the meeting terminated.

Foot ADULTERATION.—Dr. Tripe, public analyst of the Hackney district, reports, that all the samptet of cocoa he examined, except one, were sold as mixtures of cocoa, arrow- root, and sugar, the exception being Cadbury's Cocoa Essence, which was genuine. The quantity of starch in the other samples varied between 67 and 80 per cent., so that allowing for sugar, there was not in some of them more than 10 percent. I of cocaa. An article like thig was comparitively valueless as a ood. t